A Limpopo department of correctional services official accused of raping his 14-year-old stepdaughter with the help of her mother has been granted bail on Monday.
The 42-year-old man appeared in the Lulekani magistrate’s court with his 46-year-old wife, who is accused of aiding him in raping the teenager. The mother is also out on bail.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the couple was arrested in Lulekani, Mopani District, outside of Phalaborwa after the victim reported the matter to the police.
It is alleged that when the girl refused to sleep with her stepfather, the adults assaulted her and forcibly took her to the bedroom, where the perpetrator allegedly sexually assaulted her while her own mother held her down.
He said the suspects made their first court appearance on September 26, and were remanded in custody. They appeared in court on Monday and they were granted bail.
According to Ledwaba, the man has been charged with rape and the mother has been charged with being an accomplice to rape.
The couple is presently out on bail of R2 000 each, and the case was postponed to November 24 for further investigation.
Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has condemned the act.
“The alleged behaviour of the parents against their own child is very shameful and disturbing. Parents and guardians are tasked with the huge responsibility to raise their children in a respectful and responsible manner,” said Hadebe.
“All the children deserve to be protected and never to be abused by anyone, including their parents.”
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